Mr John I . Bonvicino

Mr. John I. Bonvicino, Sr., retired Oneida County Deputy Sheriff, age 75, peacefully transcended into God’s care on Sunday, October 18, 2015 in the comfort of his home with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in New York City on November 7, 1939, John was the son of the late Ernest, Sr. and Barbara (Brackett) Bonvicino. As a child, he relocated with his family to the Utica/Rome area. He was a graduate of Holland Patent High School/Class of 1958. At one time, John was married to the former Ella Jane Yager and to that union came the blessing of their three children. Ella passed away in September of 1992. John entered into a second union when he married the former Joanne M. (DiCesare) St. Onge on February 10, 2001. During their 14-year union, their lives became complete and they shared in a mutually kind and thoughtful relationship until the very end. John began his working career at the Rome State School where he was employed as a Ward Attendant and worked in the Maintenance Department. On January 4, 1969, John became an Officer for the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department. It was in his heart to be a protector, and he had a passion and respect for the profession. He was so proud of his calling. He worked his way up to the position of Deputy Sheriff, serving under several administrations until his retirement on August 25, 1987. One of the highlights of his career occurred recently when he received his retirement badge presented to him by Oneida County Sheriff Robert M. Maciol and his undersheriff, Robert S. Swenszkowski. John also represented his co-workers as the Deputy Sheriff’s Benevolent Association Steward. John was a generous, thoughtful soul whose kind deeds and caring ways were an inspiration and a positive force in his family’s lives. He loved his children, and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they, in turn, were so respectful and affectionate to him. He was also a wonderful in-law to the DiCesare family, catering to his father-in-law with patience and regard. He was a man of grand physical presence and his stature and booming voice allowed all to know he was in their midst. John was genuinely funny and his humor knew no bounds —- it was an attribute loved by all! In earlier years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, especially the traditional hunt on Thanksgiving morning. He was a garage sale aficionado, and whether he was hosting or visiting, he was a pro. He had superior negotiating skills and an eye for fine vintage and antique articles. His John Deere collection was extensive and everyone knew what to get him in the way of a gift. He loved the thrill of the casino and the turn of the slots, as well as dining at various area restaurants. He also had a love of our American Flag and all that it represents. Attending Mass was important to him and he practiced his Catholic faith at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. John is survived by his wife and best friend, Joanne; his children and their loves, Ellen (Thomas) Maury Sr., John I. Bonvicino Jr., Ronald Bonvicino Sr., and his former wife, Kim Bonvicino; his grandchildren, Thomas Maury, Jr. (Courtney Sanders), Joseph Maury, and Michael Maury; John III (Megan) Bonvicino, Jesse Bonvicino (Heather Marcella), Deseray Bonvicino, and Nicole Bonvicino; Vanessa Bonvicino, and Ronald Bonvicino Jr.; his great-grandchildren, Toby John, Ella, and David; and he looked forward to the birth of his 8th great-grandson due in November; Amber; Ariana, and Aiden; and Aurora. He was predeceased by his great-granddaughter, Destiny. He also leaves his step-children who shared a genuine relationship with him, Scott J. St. Onge, David P. St. Onge (Kelley Thorp); his nieces, especially remembering Barbara Ann Lawrence; nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws Rose Bergin, Sheila Bonvicino, Annette (Francis) Paparella, Richard DiCesare, Anne Marie DiCesare (Ed Briggs), and Mary DiCesare. He will also be remembered by his close friends Ret. Sergeant Thomas Larkin, and Ret. Lieutenant Eddie Kiem, both of the Sheriff’s Department. He was predeceased by his brothers, Edward Bergin, and Ernest Bonvicino Jr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Florence and Douglas Fairhurst; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sebastian J. “Buster” and Mary A. DiCesare; and his brother-in-law, Anthony DiCesare. The family is grateful to Dr. Adnan Cemer, a truly genuine physician, and his nurses (Amy and Ida) who showed so much affection evidenced by their personal home visit with John; Dr. Andrew Pellecchia whose talents and kindness were comforting; Dr. Alicia DeTraglia for her compassion and expertise; the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center CCU, ICOU, and 6th Floor wing for their care and concern, and Sister Sharon Ann for her spiritual guidance and daily hospital visits; the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially Mary Ellen B., Irene, Nadine, Melissa, Karen, and Anne; Home Health Care “Night Angels”, Tammy and Giovanna “Joanne” who were incredible and offered Joanne wonderful support that eased her burden and her mind; and Fr. Mark Kaminski who became a special friend in a time of need comforting John by his uplifting visits. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. John’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Full honors by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department will be conferred. Entombment will take place privately in St. Joseph's Garden Mausoleum.

Mr John I . Bonvicino

November 7, 1939 - October 18, 2015